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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2004 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> (5. #04-3023 Woodhill Country Club, 200 Woodhill Avenue, CUP Amendment, Public <br /> Hearing- continued) <br /> Fritzler asked for information about the road width on Woodhill Avenue. Gaffron explained it was <br /> about 20' but he would need to verify the dimension, however, the road has no shoulders and has <br /> wetlands on both sides. Fritzler commented that with the addition of two-way traffic it would be <br /> tight for emergency vehicles to travel safely. <br /> Leslie asked what would be solved by allowing two-way traffic on Woodhill Avenue, and would it <br /> only be to lessen the anxiety of waiting to turn left onto CR 15. He stated that the CR 15/Woodhill <br /> Road intersection would still be used by members. Leslie observed that the challenge is the `left- <br /> turners' more than the `right-turners' and any solution may not avoid the probability of a fatality at <br /> CR 15. His concern for allowing more and two-way traffic on Woodhill Avenue was the risks posed <br /> by its narrow road width with hidden entrances. <br /> Mr. Kelley advised that he had contacted Hennepin County regarding possible improvements to the <br /> railroad right-of-way and wetland mitigation but no definite plan was developed. There followed <br /> brief discussion about the probability of constructing a road improvement to allow `right-turners' to <br /> move along faster or an acceleration lane. <br /> Ms. Massie commented that it had been five (5) years that the Club has operated under the CUP <br /> conditions and that traffic studies show the Club had not put that much pressure on Woodhill Avenue. <br /> Kempf questioned how much impact the two-way traffic would have on Woodhill Road except at <br /> high traffic volume times of day. He supported opening up the road to two-way traffic as the safety <br /> gains are worth it and there are so few houses on Woodhill Avenue. <br /> Gaffron reported staff had contacted Hennepin County many times regarding the Orono Orchard Rd, <br /> Woodhill Road, and other streets, and their intersections with CR 15,but that no obvious, good <br /> alternatives were identified. <br /> Jurgens asked the Club representatives if the Club was ready and willing to make road improvements <br /> to Woodhill Avenue, such as road shoulders and wetland mitigation. Mr. Kelly responded he could <br /> not commit to that at this time. Jurgens indicated he believed that a road project to improve access on <br /> CR 15 is the best alternative. Chair Mabusth concurred with Jurgens, indicating she believed <br /> allowing changes to the CUP conditions would only re-direct traffic to a more dangerous intersection. <br /> Ms. Massie reiterated that the Club's intention is to provide another safe access for their members. <br /> Rahn asked how it could be prevented to having the secondary access becoming the primary access. <br /> He stated he concurred with Jurgens' comments, indicating that he understands CR 15 traffic is worse <br /> than in 1999 and likely would continue to be more so in the future, but that he was hardpressed to <br /> overturn the CUP conditions set in 1999. <br /> Fritzler summarized that the CR15 intersection is a situation of vehicle v. vehicle accidents whereas <br /> changing the Woodhill Avenue access to two-way is more likely to involve vehicle v. person <br /> accidents due to the residential, wooded character of the street. He expressed that he viewed the <br /> application request as a convenience for frustrated drivers who had to wait in line to access CR 15. <br /> Page 9 of 22 <br />